While it was still dark, Jesus got up . . .
and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
—Mark 1:35
Moses was alone when God spoke to him (Ex 3:1–5).
Joshua was alone when God commissioned him (Jo 1:1–5).
Gideon was alone when God recruited him (Jgs 6:11–12).
Cornelius was alone when God charged him (Acts 10:3).
Paul was alone while God prepared him (Gal 1:17–18).
Jesus’ schedule was an exhausting sunrise-to-sunset marathon of teaching, healing, and serving. But he regularly retreated to spend time alone with God.
We will never grow much or serve well unless we spend time alone with God. “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray” (Mt 6:6).
It’s difficult to hear God’s voice in a crowd.